Medical Law
There is a conviction that human life is sacred and that the corollary is that euthanasia and assisted suicide are always wrong. This view is supported by the Roman Catholic Church, Islam and other religions. There is also a secular view, shared sometimes by atheists and agnostics, that human life is sacred. On the other side, there are many millions who do not hold these beliefs. For many the personal autonomy of individuals is predominant. They would argue that it is the moral right of individuals to have a say over the time and manner of their death.
R (Pretty) v Director of Public Prosecutions [2002] 1 AC 800, [54] per Lord Steyn
Drawing on the legal position in Ireland and at least one other jurisdiction, provide a critical analysis of the law’s treatment of assisted suicide.
Choose at least one case in each country and discuss
